2026 Fire Prevention Week: Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a SUPERPOWER!

Brandon, MB – As we approach Fire Prevention Week 2026 (Oct. 4 - 10, 2026), Brandon Fire and Emergency Services (BFES) would like to urge all residents to take this year’s theme to heart: “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower".

This year is the 104^th Anniversary of Fire Prevention Week. Recognized across North America each year, Fire Prevention Week campaigns work to educate people about the simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower, focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.

Did you know? Lithium-ion batteries are increasingly found in devices and systems that the public and first responders use or interact with daily. While these batteries provide an effective and efficient source of power, the likelihood of them overheating, catching on fire, and even leading to explosions increases when they are damaged or improperly used, charged, or stored.

What can you do? The good news is you can prevent most lithium-ion battery fires by following the below tips. Help keep your family safer with some simple but effective tips.

• Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
• Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard, flat surface. Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat.
• Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.
• Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.
• Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits. These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread.
• When on a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to respond quickly. 

Fire Prevention Week is a fun time with activities planned and helpful tips and reminders. It is good to be fire safe to prevent fires and prepare just in case a fire does occur. However, we need to remember that fire can be very dangerous. 

During Fire Prevention Week in Brandon, the public is invited to stop by the BFES “Fire Safety Day” public display at Home Depot (801 - 18th St. N) on Fri, Oct. 9. A pair of popular events for school-aged children - Fire Chief for a Day and Celebrity Firefighter Olympics – are also on tap through the week!